politely
Americanadverb
-
in a way that shows good manners toward others; courteously.
The bar is extremely busy, so the ability to work efficiently and politely under pressure is essential.
Although the coaches encouraged him to try out for the team, he politely declined and went back to his books.
-
in a way that shows refinement, consideration, or elegance.
The goal is politely described as "optimistic" by the auditors; privately, most observers view it as total fantasy.
The artist’s journals start politely—small watercolors and writing fill the early pages, but by the end they are overflowing and untameable.
Other Word Forms
- superpolitely adverb
Etymology
Origin of politely
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Horning said he listened politely, not entirely sure what they were getting at.
Denmark’s leadership politely said “no thanks,” but it turns out they didn’t have to: No ship was ever “on its way” in the first place.
From Salon
She wrote politely and humbly, conducting herself as her husband would have expected.
From Literature
Taking a deep breath, he gathered his waning strength in order to turn and politely face his neighbor.
From Literature
The first is to detach with love — that is, politely and kindly, and with no explanations or blame.
From MarketWatch
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
